Entertainment system comprising suspension platform

ABSTRACT

An entertainment system, comprising an entertainment device, a suspension platform, and, optionally, a storage bag, is described. The suspension platform is removably secured to a seat back of a front seat in the passenger compartment of a passenger vehicle. Alternatively, the suspension platform may be removably suspended between two front seats of a passenger vehicle. In either location the suspension platform provides means for securing an entertainment device inside the passenger vehicle, for convenient use by one or more occupants of rear seats in the passenger vehicle. The suspension platform may be redisposed into a configuration suitable for protecting the entertainment device during storage or transport. A storage bag provides means for storing the entertainment device and suspension platform, and also such accessories as may be employed with these items.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of copending application Ser. No.10/712,388, filed Nov. 12, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/012,272, filed Dec. 1, 2001, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,685,016 issued on Feb. 3, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an entertainment system for use in a passengervehicle. In particular, the invention relates to a suspension platformthat permits the secure temporary installation of an entertainmentdevice in a passenger vehicle. The suspension platform also permits easyremoval of the entertainment system from the passenger vehicle.

2. Description of the Related Art

There are many devices and systems for the entertainment of passengersin passenger vehicles. As used herein, the term “passenger vehicle”describes any vehicle used for transportation of people. The term isparticularly applicable to automobiles, vans, buses, boats, motor homes,and even airplanes, but not limited thereto.

Such devices may be as simple as the car radio that is standardequipment for many models of modern automobiles. Some luxury automobilesare equipped with devices by which the operator of the vehicle mayobtain information regarding his present location; such devices combinecommunications equipment and global positioning systems. Conversion vansmay be equipped with television sets or videotape players. Suchequipment is typically permanently installed, to deter theft, but at theprice of difficult and expensive installation by experts.

Commercial buses and airplanes may be fitted with entertainment systems,through which passengers throughout the vehicle may view entertainmentprogramming, such as a movie, selected by the crew of the vehicle. Suchsystems typically comprise a videotape recorder and a plurality ofviewing screens. The viewing screens may comprise projectors andreflective screens hung from the ceiling of the vehicle. Alternatively,viewing screens may be cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors mounted inoverhead consoles, or liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors built intoarmrests or the seatbacks of the vehicle. Entertainment systems of thistype are not widely available as original equipment in passenger carsbecause of cost and warranty considerations, and because in a very largefraction of all passenger car mileage in the United States, the car isoccupied only by the driver.

It became apparent to the inventor that there is a need for flexibleentertainment systems for use in passenger vehicles. While a family withyoung children is making a long automobile trip, those children oftenbecome bored, in part because they sit in a back seat and they are tooshort to see outside scenery past the high seat backs of the frontseats. With respect to commercial passenger vehicles, the need ismanifested by the desire of a passenger to be entertained withprogramming other than that provided through a system permanentlyinstalled in the vehicle. In either of these situations, the possibilityof easily removing an entertainment system from the vehicle is, at veryleast, desirable. Of course, in the context of a commercial vehicle,removal from the vehicle is essential. Identification of a market forsuch products led to development of the apparatus disclosed herein.

In the context of the present discussion, the term “entertainmentdevice” is taken to include devices such as compact disk players (CDplayers), digital video disk players (DVD players), laptop computers,global positioning systems (GPS devices), video games such as those madeby Nintendo, Sega or Sony, and other similar devices. Interpretation ofthe term must be inclusive, specifically including such similar orrelated devices not specifically mentioned herein. Many entertainmentdevices are provided with a viewing screen as an integral featurethereof. The apparatus disclosed herein is particularly suited to usewith such devices, but not limited thereto; thus, the use of the term“entertainment device” should not be limited thereto. A wide variety ofentertainment devices of suitable configuration are commerciallyavailable, and the apparatus disclosed herein may be used in conjunctionwith such entertainment devices.

Hereinafter, the term “entertainment system” is taken to comprise anentertainment device and means for securing such a device in a passengervehicle, such that it may be conveniently used by one or morepassengers. The term may also be taken to include means for protectingand carrying the entertainment device outside the passenger vehicle.

Prior art in the field of entertainment systems has followed developmentof entertainment devices. Early entertainment systems incorporatetelevision sets having cathode ray tubes (CRT TVs). Weinblatt (U.S. Pat.No. 4,635,110) disclosed an entertainment system in which apparatus forsecuring a TV and VCR inside an automobile is laid over the back of afront seat of the automobile. Development of a CRT TV with a videotapecassette recorder/player (VCR) incorporated led to the invention byLandy (U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,189) of a device for securing such acombination device into an automobile. Perkins (U.S. Pat. No. 6,097,448)discloses a means of securing such a device to the backs of two frontseats of an automobile. Development of liquid crystal display (LCD)televisions and monitors led to inventions by Lee (U.S. Pat. No.6,283,299) and Meritt (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,092,705 and 6,216,927) ofdevices that secure the combination of an LCD display and a playbackdevice, such as a VCR or DVD player, into an automobile. Meritt's '927patent also discloses apparatus for securing a game-type entertainmentdevice having a case with a substantially vertical orientation to afront seat of an automobile. However, Meritt makes no provision for anentertainment device having a substantially horizontal orientation, anda hinged lid, where a viewing screen is incorporated in that hinged lid.Such devices, which include portable DVD players and laptop computers,are fully self-contained, having sufficient capability of their internalbatteries to permit extended use without external power. Of course, suchdevices may be operated on external power to extend operating time.Meritt's teachings are inapplicable to such entertainment devices.

Meritt's '927 patent contains a summary of development of devicesrelating to his invention, which summary is germane to disclosedembodiments of the present invention. Thus, the disclosures thereof areincorporated herein by reference.

Portable, or laptop, computers have been designed for operation whilethe user balances the computer on his lap. However appropriate such usemight be when the user is seated in a chair, doing so in a passengervehicle creates the potential hazard that the computer may flyuncontrolled in the passenger compartment, in the event of an accidentor sudden maneuver. Some of the many inventions relating to protectivecase for portable computers may serve to alleviate, but not solve, thisproblem. For example, Jackson (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,971,148 and 6,269,948)discloses a protective case that the user drapes across his knees,partially securing the computer to his knees. Howard, Jr. (U.S. Pat. No.6,109,434) discloses a protective case that a user may secure to onewrist by a strap incorporated in the case, while operating the computerwith the other hand. Myles et al (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,887,723 and5,887,777) disclose a protective case that incorporates a strap placedaround the neck of a user to support a computer. None of these devicestruly address the issue of a computer flying uncontrolled in thepassenger compartment, and none are suitable for use by children in theback seat of an automobile.

It is believed that the entertainment system, as set forth herein, isneither taught nor rendered obvious by the prior art cited above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of a disclosed embodiment of the present invention toprovide a means for removably securing an entertainment device insidethe passenger compartment of a passenger vehicle. In particular, it isan object of this disclosed embodiment of the present invention tosecure the entertainment device to the seat back of a front seat of sucha passenger vehicle, so that the entertainment device may beconveniently used by an occupant of the rear seat of the passengervehicle.

It is another object of a disclosed embodiment of the present inventionto provide a means for removably securing an entertainment device thatmay secure such a device either behind one front seat, or in the spacebetween two front seats.

It is another object of a disclosed embodiment of the present inventionto provide a means for protecting the entertainment device, both whileit is secured in a passenger vehicle and while it is being transportedand/or stored outside the passenger vehicle.

It is still another object of a disclosed embodiment of the presentinvention to provide such means in a compact form that can beconveniently stored with the entertainment device.

It is yet another object of a disclosed embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a means for securing in the passenger compartmentof a passenger vehicle any sort of entertainment device such as compactdisk players (CD players), digital video disk players (DVD players),laptop computers, global positioning systems (GPS devices), and videogames, and the like.

It is a further object of a disclosed embodiment of the presentinvention to provide means for removably securing an entertainmentdevice to any type of front seat, whether the seat has a high back, amovable head restraint, or neither of these design features.

It is a yet further object of a disclosed embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a means for holding and carrying accessories thatmay be used with an entertainment device.

It is a still further object of a disclosed embodiment of the presentinvention to provide an entertainment system that may be positioned, asdesired, for easy use by occupants of the rear seat of a passengervehicle.

It is yet another object of a disclosed embodiment of the presentinvention to provide an apparatus for removably mounting anentertainment device, such as a digital video player or laptop computer,to at least one seat of a vehicle. In particular, the apparatus has anopen configuration and a closed configuration, comprised of a frontportion and a rear portion, where the front portion and rear portion areconfigured to form a container in a closed configuration and thecontainer is sized to receive the entertainment device for transportingsaid device. Also, the front portion and rear portion are configured toform a platform in an open configuration, where the platform is adaptedto be releasably attached to at least one seat of a vehicle and iscapable of mounting said entertainment device for use.

It is another object of a disclosed embodiment of the present inventionto provide an apparatus for removably mounting an entertainment device,such as a digital video player or laptop computer, to at least one seatof a vehicle, where the entertainment device has a viewing screenportion hinged to a central console portion, and the apparatus comprisesa platform having a generally triangular cross section comprised of afront portion and rear portion which meet at an upper apex.Additionally, the front portion is configured to receive theentertainment device such that the bottom of the console portion isinclined relative to both the horizontal and vertical.

The entertainment system of the various preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, as described herein, accomplishes these and otherobjectives through a novel combination of design concepts andembodiments thereof. The system comprises an entertainment device and asuspension platform. Specifically, the suspension platform can comprisethree panels, connected edge-to-edge, so that the panels may be arrangedto form a sort of rigid triangular tube. The suspension platform mayalternatively be arranged in a flat configuration with the entertainmentdevice therewithin. In the triangular configuration, the interior of thesuspension platform, and the entertainment device secured thereto, areexposed for the convenience of the user. At least one strap is providedto secure the suspension platform to the back of one front seat (or bothfront seats) of a passenger vehicle. The straps are of sufficient lengthto encircle the front seat(s) of a passenger vehicle, and adjustable inlength; they may be separated from the suspension platform forconvenient storage. To secure the suspension platform to one front seat,two straps may suffice. To secure the suspension platform between twofront seats, at least three straps will normally be required.

It should be noted that although the term “suspension platform” is usedherein to describe a platform by which an entertainment device may besupported in a passenger vehicle, that same element may also act as aprotective case while the entertainment device is stored or transported.

In order to collect and carry the accessories that may be used with anentertainment device, a large storage bag, of sufficient size to carrythe suspension platform with the entertainment device therewithin, alongwith those accessories, is also provided.

Other objects and advantages of preferred embodiments of the presentinvention will be understood and appreciated by reference to thefollowing detailed description of the invention, and the appended claimsand drawings. It should be noted that like reference symbols in thedrawings and related text indicate the same or similar components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are depicted in theaccompanying drawings. Various features and advantages of thesepresently preferred embodiments will be better understood when thespecification and claims hereof are considered in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings. It is understood that the scope of the inventionis not limited by the precise features and arrangements illustratedherein. In the accompanying drawings, like reference symbols designatethe same or similar features throughout the several views. In theaccompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates, in schematic form, a suspension platform in itsclosed configuration.

FIG. 2 illustrates, in schematic form, a suspension platform in itsclosed configuration. The direction of view of FIG. 2 is diagonallyopposite to, and slightly above that of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A illustrates, in schematic form, a suspension platform in itsopen configuration. The viewpoint in this figure is from the left side,and slightly to the rear of, the suspension platform.

FIG. 3B illustrates the hook-and-loop embodiment for the flexibleconnections.

FIG. 4 illustrates, in schematic form, a suspension platform in its openconfiguration. The viewpoint in this figure is to from the rightshoulder of the user of an entertainment device that might be installedin the suspension platform.

FIG. 5 provides a schematic view of the right side of a suspensionplatform showing the redisposition of a suspension platform from itsclosed configuration to its open configuration, and the extent ofrotation of components thereof with respect to other components requiredby such redisposition.

FIG. 6 illustrates, in schematic form, a suspension platform in apartially opened configuration.

FIG. 7 illustrates, in schematic form, the installation of a suspensionplatform between two seats of a passenger vehicle.

FIG. 8 illustrates, in schematic form, the installation of a suspensionplatform to the rear of a single seat of a passenger vehicle.

FIG. 9 illustrates a storage bag for storing a suspension platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In one preferred embodiment, an entertainment system comprises anentertainment device, a suspension platform, and an optional storagebag.

Direction terms used herein, such as upper and lower, left and right,reflect orientation and position of a user of the entertainment device,when the user is seated in a rear seat of a passenger vehicle. Interiorand exterior surfaces of components of the suspension platform areidentified relative to the closed configuration of the case.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show the suspension platform of one preferred embodimentin its closed configuration. The suspension platform, shown generally at1, is comprised of three panels, a first panel 10, a second panel 20 anda third panel 30. The exterior surfaces of the first and second panelsare shown at 11 and 21, respectively. The interior surface of the thirdpanel is shown in FIG. 2 at 32. There is a first flexible connection 15between the rear edge of the first panel 10 and the lower edge of thesecond panel 20. There is a second flexible connection 25 between theupper edge of the second panel 20 and the upper edge of the third panel30. In FIG. 1, the lower edges of the second and third panels, shown at20 and 30, respectively, the rear edge of the first panel 10, and thefirst flexible connection 15 are shown in the foreground of the figure.In FIG. 2, the upper edges of the second and third panels, shown at 20and 30, respectively, the front edge of the first panel 10, and thesecond flexible connection 25 are shown in the foreground of the figure.To secure panels 20 and 30 in their appropriate closed positions, thepanels are secured to each other by separable closure means, which inthis preferred embodiment of the invention is a zipper 50.Alternatively, tabs having mating patches of hook-and-loop material maybe employed. An entertainment device may be secured between panels 20and 30 by closing the zipper 50. Panels 10 and 20 are separably securedto each other, in this case by tabs 52 and 56, each having a snapconnector, shown at 53 and 57, respectively, thereon. Mating snapconnectors, sometimes called snap studs, shown at 54 and 58,respectively, are affixed to the exterior surface 21 of the second panel20. Mating hook-and-loop material can also be used. In its closedconfiguration, the suspension platform of one preferred embodimentprovides a compact package that protects an entertainment deviceenclosed therein.

FIGS. 3A and 4 illustrate the suspension platform of one preferredembodiment in its open configuration. In redisposing the suspensionplatform from its closed to open configurations, the first flexibleconnection 15 may provide as little as about 60 degrees of rotation ofpanel 20 with respect to panel 10, as shown at 71 in FIG. 5. However,the second flexible connection 25 may provide at least 300 degrees ofrotation of panel 30 with respect to panel 20, as shown at 72 in FIG. 5.Greater flexibility of the flexible connections may allow furtherrotation of the panels involved, and may be preferred. In redisposingthe case to its open position, panels 20 and 30 are bent almost fullyback on themselves. To complete the redisposition, snap connectors 53and 57 on tabs 52 and 56 are engaged with a second set of mating snapconnectors 55 and 59, respectively, situated on the interior surface 32of panel 30. In its open configuration, the suspension platformcomprises a triangular structure that is quite rigid, even though fabrictabs may be used as a separable connection between panels 10 and 30.Redisposition of the suspension platform is illustrated in FIG. 5. Theangle of rotation of panel 20 with respect to panel 10 is designated 71.The angle of rotation of panel 30 with respect to panel 20 is designated72. The angle of rotation of panel 40 with respect to panel 10 isdesignated 73.

FIG. 3B illustrates a portion of FIG. 3A where hook-and-loop material isutilized for the flexible connections of FIG. 3A. In this embodiment,panels 10 and 30 are separably secured to each other, in this case bytab 56 a, having a connector of hook-and-loop material, shown at 57 a,respectively, thereon. Mating hook-and-loop material, shown at 59 a, isaffixed to the interior surface 32 of panel 30. In this embodiment,mating hook-and-loop material could also be used in place of the otherconnections, such as the connection between panel 10 and 20 in theclosed configuration.

The suspension platform of one preferred embodiment includes means forsecuring an entertainment device to the interior surface 32 of panel 30.Many different devices may be employed for this purpose. In onepreferred embodiment of the invention, three separate devices arecooperatively employed to this end. The entertainment device rests in aU-shaped bracket 33 attached to the interior surface 32. Additionally, astrap 36, permanently affixed at one end to the right side of interiorsurface 32, and adjustably secured to a ring 37 on the left side ofinterior surface 32, is adjusted to fit snugly over the entertainmentdevice. Strap 36 is preferably provided with a rubbery material on atleast one surface thereof, to deter slipping of the entertainment devicefrom under said strap. A rubbery material suitable for this applicationhas a high coefficient of friction in contact with plastic or metalcases commonly employed with entertainment devices. Thirdly, one or morepatches of hook-and-loop material, shown at 38 and 39, may be attachedto the interior surface 32. Mating patches of hook-and-loop material maybe adhesively bonded to the case of the entertainment device. Onesuitable type of hook-and-loop material is known by the trade nameVelcro. Some types of fabric have the capability of engaging hook-typeVelcro patches; the use of such a fabric on the interior surface 32 isdeemed to be equivalent to attaching a separate patch to said interiorsurface. Further, a compliant bump 48 in the interior surface 32, saidbump having a surface made from a rubbery material, serves to deter theentertainment device from sliding out of the suspension platform, evenin the event of a sudden stop of the passenger vehicle in which it issecured.

The suspension platform is optionally provided with a fourth panel 40,joined by a third flexible connection 35 to the front edge of panel 10.A pocket 43 is provided on one, or both, surfaces of panel 40. Thepreferred location of pocket 43 is on the front surface 41 of panel 40.In the closed configuration of the suspension platform, panel 40 isdisposed between panels 10 and 20, which combine to protect panel 40,and any items stored in pocket 43. In the open configuration of thesuspension platform, panel 40 is allowed to hang down, providing easyaccess to items stored in pocket 43.

FIG. 6 illustrates the suspension platform in a partially openedconfiguration, to show the relationship of each panel to its neighbors.Panel 40 with pocket 43, flexible connection 35, interior surface 12 ofpanel 10, flexible connection 15, exterior surface 21 of panel 20,flexible connection 25 and exterior surface 31 of panel 30 are shownfrom left to right in the figure. In one preferred embodiment, pockets24 are provided on the exterior surface 21 of panel 20. Such pockets areuseful for storing CD ROMs or DVD disks. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, suchpockets are protected in the closed configuration of the suspensionplatform.

The suspension platform of one preferred embodiment also comprises meansfor securing it to the seat backs of one or more seats in a passengervehicle. Although such means could comprise straps that are permanentlyattached to the suspension platform, it may be preferable to have suchstraps separable from the suspension platform. One means of separablyattaching such straps 60 to the suspension is a plurality of D-ringsattached to the suspension platform. D-rings 61, 62 and 63 are attachedto the left side of exterior surfaces 21 and 31 of panels 20 and 30,respectively, and D-rings 64, 65 and 66 are attached to the right sideof those exterior surfaces, respectively. Adjustability of the strapsthat encircle the seats of the passenger vehicle may be achieved by manymeans that are known to those skilled in the art of luggage manufacture.Various types of buckles, quick disconnect fittings and the like may beemployed for this purpose. One particular type of adjustable buckle canbe achieved by placing two D-rings at each location shown in thefigures. The functionality of whatever straps and buckles that may beemployed is that they urge the suspension platform forward, into contact(or close proximity) with the seat back of the front seat of a passengervehicle. It is the interior surface 22 of panel 20 that may contact theseat back. It is anticipated that the suspension platform can be urgedinto contact with the seat back as a means of reducing vibration of theentertainment system in response to motion of the passenger vehicle.

Another representative application of the suspension platform of onepreferred embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 7, which depictsinstallation between the two front seats of a vehicle. In thisapplication, right front seat 100 and left front seat 110 are providedwith head restraints 101, 111 respectively that serve as anchors for twoupper straps 102, 112, respectively. Straps 102 and 112 are secured toD-rings 66,65 and 62,63, respectively, thereby allowing for thesuspension of the platform 1 between the two seats 100, 110. Two lowerstraps 103, 113, preferably used in conjunction with S-hooks, are shownsecured to the mechanisms 104, 114 by which the positions of the frontseats may be adjusted. Alternatively, a single lower strap, secured tothe seat adjusting mechanism for the left front seat, through the lowerD-rings of the suspension platform, and on to the seat adjustingmechanism for the right front seat, where it is secured thereto. Forhigh back front seats without identifiable head restraints, it may bepreferable to employ two horizontal straps encircling each front seat inthe manner taught by Perkins. To secure the suspension platform toa,single front seat, it may be preferable to encircle the front seatwith straps oriented vertically. Vertical straps would presumably affectoccupants of a front seat less than horizontal straps. An importantaspect of one preferred embodiment is that the configurations of thestraps may provide sufficient flexibility to accommodate almost anyfront seat configuration. The use of multiple D-rings at or near theindicated locations helps provide such flexibility. Any appropriateconfiguration of the straps is deemed to be part of one preferredembodiment.

FIG. 7 also illustrates the installation of a representativeentertainment device, such as a DVD player 2, in the suspension platform1. The entertainment device 2 includes a viewing screen 3.

FIG. 8 illustrates the installation of a suspension platform 1 to asingle seat 110 of a vehicle. In this embodiment, straps 120, 130 areadjusted to encircle the seat 110 and are attached to the D-rings 64, 65and 61, 62. Alternatively, a single strap can be attached to D-rings 64,61 and used to loop around headrest of seat 110. In this embodiment,either D-ring 65 or 62 or both can be attached to or looped around abar, rod or fixture under seat 110 by a strap.

The suspension platform of one preferred embodiment provides sufficientflexibility in securing it to the front seat of a passenger vehicle thatit allows considerable latitude in height of the viewing screen of anentertainment device, thereby accommodating both adults and children.

Entertainment devices of the type contemplated in one preferredembodiment frequently entail the use of many accessories. Some of thoseaccessories might be: CD ROMs or DVD disks; earphones or headsets; sparebatteries; and a power supply to enable operation of the entertainmentdevice from the electrical system of the passenger vehicle. To keep allof these accessories collected in a single bag, a separate storage bagis provided as a preferred aspect of one preferred embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a storage bag 200 of one preferred embodiment.Storage bag 200 is preferably provided with at least two compartments; afirst compartment 202 is sized to receive the suspension platform, and asecond compartment 204 is sized and configured to receive theaforementioned accessories. The storage bag 200 is preferably providedwith a movable lid and means for securing that lid during transport orstorage; it may also be provided with a handle or carrying strap 210.The general configuration of the storage bag is similar to that of agadget bag often employed by photographers.

The suspension platform of one preferred embodiment may be constructedof many different materials. The presently preferred materials includethe sort of heavy nylon cloth (sometimes identified as “ballisticcloth”) used in the manufacture of suitcases and other forms of luggage.This cloth is preferred for exterior surfaces 11, 21 and 31 of panels10, 20 and 30, and flexible connection 25. Note that a single piece ofcloth may be employed to fabricate items 21, 25 and 31 as an integralunit, as suggested in FIG. 6; this is a preferred, but not essential,aspect of the invention. A lighter weight nylon cloth is preferred forthe interior surfaces 12, 22 and 32 of panels 10, 20 and 30. Each of thepanels 10, 20 and 30 is preferably stiffened by a thin sheet of plasticinserted between the respective interior and exterior surfaces. Othermaterials, such as cardboard, may be employed for this purpose. Aportion of each flexible connection may be free of such stiffeners. Theoptional panel 40 is of similar construction to the other panels,although the lighter weight cloth may be used for both surfaces. Thepocket 43 is preferable fabricated from a mesh material, to facilitateidentification of items placed in the pocket. Assembly methods forfabricating the suspension platform, such as by sewing the componentstogether, are known to those skilled in the art of luggage manufacture.

Straps employed in one preferred embodiment are preferably made of nylonweb belting. This material is frequently utilized in the manufacture ofluggage, and it is known to those skilled in that art.

Although one preferred embodiment has been described with reference tocertain preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that one preferredembodiment is not limited thereby. In particular, the concepts of theone preferred embodiment are fully applicable to alternative means forprotecting an entertainment device and removably securing it to a frontseat of a passenger vehicle. Those skilled in the art will recognizethat minor variations and modifications in the design and manufacture ofthe entertainment system and suspension platform, as described herein,still lie within the spirit and scope thereof, and such variations andmodifications properly fall within the scope of preferred embodiments,which is defined by the following claims.

1. A method for removably mounting an entertainment device to at leastone seat of a vehicle, said apparatus having an open configuration and aclosed configuration, said method comprising: providing an apparatuswith a front portion, a rear portion, and a pivoting portion betweensaid front and rear portions; forming a closed container in said closedconfiguration, by pivoting the front portion or the rear portion so thatthe front portion is in close proximity with the rear portion, saidcontainer sized to receive said entertainment device for transportingsaid device; forming a platform in an open configuration by pivoting thefront portion or rear portion; releasably attaching said platform to atleast one seat of a vehicle with at least two strap portions extendingfrom said apparatus to said seat; and mounting said entertainment deviceto said platform by positioning said entertainment device between saidplatform and a retaining member having an adjustable length.
 2. A methodas in claim 1, further comprising providing a panel connecting saidfront portion to said rear portion opposite said pivoting portion insaid open configuration.
 3. A method as in claim 1, wherein saidretaining member comprises a strap.
 4. A method as in claim 1, furthercomprising providing a bump covered by rubbery material on said frontportion.
 5. A method as in claim 1, further comprising zipping the frontportion and the rear portion together in said closed configuration.
 6. Amethod as in claim 1, further comprising attaching the at least twostraps portions to the apparatus by loops affixed to the apparatus.
 7. Amethod for removably mounting an entertainment device to at least oneseat of a vehicle, said method comprising: providing an apparatus with afront portion, a rear portion, and a pivoting portion between said frontportion and said rear portion; forming a platform in an openconfiguration by pivoting the front portion or rear portion; attaching afirst portion of a first strap substantially near a corner of theapparatus; securing the first strap around at least a portion of a firstcar seat; attaching a second portion of the first strap to theapparatus; attaching a first portion of a second strap substantiallynear a corner of the apparatus; securing the second strap around atleast a portion of the first car seat; attaching a second portion of thesecond strap to the apparatus.
 8. A method as in claim 7, furthercomprising providing a panel connecting said front portion to said rearportion opposite said pivoting portion in said open configuration.
 9. Amethod as in claim 7, further comprising retaining the entertainmentdevice to the apparatus with a retaining member.
 10. A method as inclaim 7, further comprising providing a bump covered by rubbery materialon said front portion.
 11. A method as in claim 7, further comprisingzipping the front portion and the rear portion together in a closedconfiguration.
 12. A method for removably mounting an entertainmentdevice to at least one seat of a vehicle, said method comprising:providing an apparatus with a front portion, a rear portion, and apivoting portion between said front portion and said rear portion;forming a platform in an open configuration by pivoting the frontportion or rear portion; attaching a first portion of a first strapsubstantially near a corner of the apparatus; securing the first straparound at least a portion of a first car seat; attaching a secondportion of the first strap to the apparatus; attaching a first portionof a second strap substantially near a corner of the apparatus; securingthe second strap around at least a portion of a second car seat;attaching a second portion of the second strap to the apparatus.
 13. Amethod as in claim 12, further comprising providing a panel connectingsaid front portion to said rear portion opposite said pivoting portionin said open configuration.
 14. A method as in claim 12, furthercomprising retaining the entertainment device to the apparatus with aretaining member.
 15. A method as in claim 12, further comprisingproviding a bump covered by rubbery material on said front portion. 16.A method as in claim 12, further comprising zipping the front portionand the rear portion together in a closed configuration.